Do you have a home that has been feeling dark and drab lately? It might be time to spruce up the place! There are many ways to do this, from simple changes like painting the walls or installing new light fixtures to more elaborate projects such as re-doing your living room. This blog post will give you some interior design tips and tricks to brighten up your home.
Place mirrors near lighting sources
Mirrors will help reflect light around the room, brightening it up. For example, a mirror near a window or lamp effectively reflects natural sunlight. It fills dark corners of rooms with extra brightness! Try to place mirrors facing each other for maximum effect. To make your space look larger, hang one large mirror instead of several small ones. It may seem counterintuitive, but you should avoid hanging too many mirrors because that can create a cluttered appearance. Try not to cover more than 30% of any wall in a single mirror either, as this could also lead to an overcrowded feeling if there are multiple reflections from different angles within the same area on the walls. Placing two sides isn’t such a bad idea as it will create a more balanced look.
Utilize natural lighting
Whenever possible, try to make use of natural lighting. This can be done by positioning furniture and decor to take advantage of windows and doorways. For example, if you have a living room with two large windows, place your sofa and coffee table perpendicular to the windows instead of parallel. This will allow more light to come in and brighten up the space. If you do not have any natural light sources in your home, consider adding some lamps or installing skylights! During the day, open curtains and blinds to let sunlight in; at night, close them to reduce glare and help create a sense of intimacy. Window treatments are also a great way to control how much natural light comes into a room. Roller shades and blinds are a good option because they can be easily adjusted to let in more or less light as needed.
Play around with textures and colors
Another great way to brighten up a space is by working with different textures and colors. Try adding a fluffy grey rug or plush white couch, for example! You can also add pops of color here and there in the form of pillows, artwork, vases, or find some inspiration from trends roundup by Staunton and Henry. Also, take into account that you may need to pair down on texture if your room has too many things competing for attention; use it sparingly instead of throwing everything at once into the mix. Finally, if you are worried about clashing patterns, stick to solid-colored items (e.g., place all-white furniture against painted walls). This will help make any patterned accents stand out more without looking like an overwhelming design element.
Keep your home clean
Keeping clutter, dirtiness, or bad smells out of the house will make it feel more welcoming. In addition, cleaning up after yourself as you go throughout the day can help reduce how long more significant projects take later on down the road! If you have pets, consider investing in rugs that are easy to vacuum, so they do not get dirty too quickly; this tip also goes for high-traffic areas where people may be walking around with shoes on all the time (e.g., front foyer). Also, remember that maintaining appliances like dishwashers/washing machines means more minor messes for your floors and carpets over time!
Invest in ambient lighting sources
Ambient lighting can make a room feel cozy and inviting. It is typically used in the form of overhead lighting (e.g., chandeliers, pendant lights, etc.) or table lamps on surfaces like coffee tables or nightstands, so try to avoid using them for tasks that require high levels of focus since they often cast shadows over your work area which can be distracting! This type of light should ideally fill an entire space evenly without creating complex contrasts between dark areas and bright spots within sight distance. Track lighting or under-cabinet task lights may also suit some workspaces more than others depending on what you’ll be doing there; use common sense when picking out these types of fixtures to ensure you’re making the best decision for your needs.
Add plants
Adding plants to your home is a great way to improve air quality and introduce some natural elements into the space. Not only do they look good, but they also provide an element of tranquility that most people appreciate if you don’t have a green thumb, no problem! There are plenty of low-maintenance plants out there that can thrive in indirect sunlight or even shady areas (e.g., snake plant, spider plant). You could also try incorporating succulents into your decor; these guys love direct sunlight and don’t need much water, so they’re perfect for those who often forget to take care of their plants!
Using some or all of these tips can help brighten up your home and make it feel more welcoming daily. Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so be sure to experiment until you find what feels best! And as always, do not be afraid to ask for help from an interior designer if you are feeling lost or overwhelmed.
